Pittsburgh Gun Crime Lawyer

Gun Crime Attorney in Pittsburgh, PA

Facing firearm charges in Pennsylvania can be devastating. Pennsylvania has some of the fiercest firearms laws in the United States. Most crimes are tried as federal felonies, but an experienced Pittsburgh gun crime lawyer can defend you in those and other gun crime cases.

Even if you are authorized to own a weapon, if you are found outside your home with the gun and no permit, you may be charged as a felon and face prison time. The consequences from these kinds of charges may go far beyond legal punishments; a conviction can impact your reputation in your community and affect your ability to obtain and keep employment.

Ryan R. Smith Law Offices Can Craft Your Weapons & Firearms Charges Defense

It is important to hire a gun crime lawyer to craft your defense strategy and safeguard your future. At Ryan R. Smith Law Offices, we defend individuals accused of firearm charges in Pittsburgh, PA. We have years of experience in these cases, so we know how to comprehensively defend clients who have been charged with gun-related offenses.

Our lead attorney is a member of the National Association for Criminal Defense Lawyers, and he stays up to date on ever-changing federal procedures and defense strategies. You can count on our team to challenge the charges brought against you. We can pursue the ideal outcome for you in court.

Gun Crime in Pittsburgh

In 2024, Pittsburgh police investigated 42 firearm-related homicides, which is down 19% from 2023. Even though gun violence in Pittsburgh has seen a decline over the last year, it remains a top concern for law enforcement.

To crack down on firearm violence, Pennsylvania has passed strict laws with hefty penalties. Under the Statutes of Pennsylvania Title 18:908, unauthorized offensive weapons are prohibited in the state. These weapons include:

• Machine guns
• Bombs
• Sawed-off shotguns
• Stun guns
• Brass knuckles

Possession is charged as a first-degree misdemeanor, which can mean up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Being convicted of a second-degree misdemeanor can result in two years in jail and a $5,000 fine. This charge can involve selling a firearm and not observing the mandated 48-hour waiting period.

Common Defenses Against Gun Charges in Pennsylvania

There are many options for defending your rights and battling firearms charges in Pennsylvania. To prove that the gun was actually in your possession during the crime, the prosecution will have to convince the judge and jury, without a trace of doubt, that it was not in someone else’s possession.

Evidence could be suppressed during a trial if the arresting officers didn’t follow proper procedures. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your arrest, charges may be dropped altogether, such as if the police conducted an illegal search.

Why Choose Us?

If you have been charged with a gun crime in Pittsburg, it is important to have an experienced Pittsburg gun crime attorney on your side. At Ryan R. Smith Law Offices, we understand the stress our clients go through when facing such charges.

Our lead attorney, Ryan R. Smith, has worked for over 25 years defending clients with an empathetic approach. He has been recognized by clients and peers for his effective communication and courtroom advocacy, as he gets to know his clients on a personal level. Our firm can work for you in crafting a defense strategy so you can move past these charges.

FAQs

Can Gun Charges Be Dropped in Pennsylvania?

Through the work of a knowledgeable gun crime defense attorney, it is possible to have charges dropped, dismissed, or reduced in Pennsylvania. Some legal strategies that can be used are:

• Challenging illegal searches
• Proving lack of criminal intent
• Negotiating with prosecutors
• Proving insufficient evidence
• Motioning to suppress illegally obtained evidence

A victim cannot drop charges in Pennsylvania; only a prosecutor can. You will need a strong legal advocate who can get your gun charges dropped.

Is Pittsburgh Gun-Friendly?

Pittsburgh is gun-friendly overall, but it has strict local gun crime laws to tighten restrictions on guns. Pennsylvania does not require its residents to have a permit to purchase a handgun or long gun, but it does mandate background checks. Open carry is allowed without a license, but concealed carry requires a license.

Local groups in Pittsburgh have worked to get certain laws passed, such as bans on assault weapons, high-capacity magazines, and bump stocks within city limits.

How Much Time Can You Get as a First-Time Offender in Pennsylvania?

As a first-time offender in Pennsylvania, your sentence will depend on the severity of the crime, ranging from probation (possible for first offenses) to several years in prison. One of the most common offenses in Pennsylvania results from misunderstanding the laws regarding unlicensed possession. It is important to know state and local laws as a gun owner. Also, contact an attorney if you may have been charged inappropriately.

Will My Gun Be Returned to Me If It’s Confiscated?

Whether your gun will be returned to you depends on why it was confiscated in the first place. If your gun was taken away as evidence for a criminal case, then it will be held until the case is resolved. It may only be returned if you are acquitted or the charges against you are dropped. If you are convicted, this may result in you losing your right to own firearms, and you will not be allowed to reclaim your gun.

Hire a Gun Crime Lawyer

Facing a gun-related charge can be terrifying, as it can result in heavy sentencing. Any gun charge can also threaten to ruin your reputation. At Ryan R. Smith Law Offices, we understand that gun laws can be complicated and easily misunderstood. Swift action can drastically change the outcome of your case.

Our office is conveniently located in the Grant Building on Grant Street. Contact our Pittsburgh gun crime lawyer today. Our team can hear your story and build a defense to protect you and your right to own your gun.